English Chess Forum

Richard James has completed his review of


Chess Improvement: It’s all in the mindset

Let the debate commence !

Though that blurb doesn't mention it, Hymer is also a pretty decent player himself.

(this does get said in the review, tbf)

Matt Mackenzie wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 3:05 pm

Though that blurb doesn't mention it, Hymer is also a pretty decent player himself.

(this does get said in the review, tbf)

Looking at his history, despite regularly playing in Opens, he has yet to break the 180 barrier. Is that mindset or knowledge? Players of 180 standard are good, but not that good or consistent as is usually proved when they run into players of 200 standard or above.

Matt Mackenzie wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 3:05 pm

Though that blurb doesn't mention it, Hymer is also a pretty decent player himself.

(this does get said in the review, tbf)

More importantly, Barry's a nice guy, and interesting to talk to, as I discovered when sitting next to him at a Manticores curry at Doncaster 4NCL a couple of years ago

Excellent book, recommend it.
A lot of obvious things though if you are familiar with growth mindset.

Mick Norris wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 5:23 pm

Matt Mackenzie wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 21, 2020 3:05 pm

Though that blurb doesn't mention it, Hymer is also a pretty decent player himself.

(this does get said in the review, tbf)

More importantly, Barry's a nice guy, and interesting to talk to, as I discovered when sitting next to him at a Manticores curry at Doncaster 4NCL a couple of years ago

He is certainly pleasant, yes.

Sounds like Barry likes a curry after reading this thread.
There is a picture of Barry eating a curry on the Lancaster Chess Club website at their club dinner.
Barry is very down to earth and very well spoken.
He plays for our club, Poulton-le-Fylde on board 2 for the 1st Team. I've had some great games against him.

Here is Barry at the October 2013 meeting : Didactics of Strategy Games :

Taken from a time before he joined Poulton-le-Fylde.
The picture on the Lancaster Chess Club website is great.
Next time he comes to Scarborough Congress he can join us for the Indian meal on the Sunday night.

The review alone suggests that one of the authors is drawing heavily on Piaget's views which then went on to form what is known as constructionism, and that the book on the whole lacks the wisdom that Rowson's publications possess plenty of.

If you asked either author why improvement is the 'alleged' goal of the book I suspect the answer given would either be disingenuous or unreflective.

MJMcCready wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 09, 2021 10:38 pm

If you asked either author why improvement is the 'alleged' goal of the book I suspect the answer given would either be disingenuous or unreflective.

Did you read the book?

Nick Burrows wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 10, 2021 10:24 am

MJMcCready wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 09, 2021 10:38 pm

If you asked either author why improvement is the 'alleged' goal of the book I suspect the answer given would either be disingenuous or unreflective.

Did you read the book?

You beat me to it Nick !

It would be interesting to compare reviews of books from people that have read the book and from those who have not. Usually it is fairly obvious.

No because putting the word 'improvement' in the title gives the impression it is yet another cheap sell using a buzz word. Why isn't contentment the topic I wonder? Not so easy to profit from I strongly suspect. At least it wasn't entitled 'Secrets of...' this time.

MJMcCready wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 10, 2021 12:43 pm

No because putting the word 'improvement' in the title gives the impression it is yet another cheap sell using a buzz word. Why isn't contentment the topic I wonder? Not so easy to profit from I strongly suspect. At least it wasn't entitled 'Secrets of...' this time.

Unsurprisingly you are criticising a book based on an "impression". The book is literally tackling the issue of improvement - thats why its in the title.

A phrase for you to mull over:

Dont judge a book by its cover